Secret island 50 miles from Vancouver where locals live off the grid

One of the least-hyped populated islands in British Columbia, Lasqueti, about 50 miles northwest of Vancouver, is a bit of an anomaly. While residents have most of the services we’ve come to expect on the other Gulf Islands – pub, coffee shop, some basic roads, a volunteer fire department, an elementary school – BC Ferries doesn’t service it and it’s mostly a secret to travellers. There’s no electricity and most of the people there live a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Global’s 16×9 visited the place and produced this excellent documentary piece below. In it they follow around a few of the locals, exposing what it’s like to live off the grid. Apparently only 40% of the people who move over there end up being able to hack it.

Bob is our founder and Editor-in-Chief. A family man and outdoors enthusiast in his 3rd decade of publishing, he steers the V.I.A. ship, hosts our 'BC Was Awesome' history TV show and co-hosts our weekly podcast. bobk@vancouverisawesome.com